This species has been described from Colombia and Costa Rica, from different Quercus forests; and from Guatemala, found in Cerro Miramundo, Jalapa. Although this species is thought to possess an EOO and AOO of 301,364 km2 and 28 km2 respectively, which would qualify this species for Endangered under criterion B2, these values are likely greatly underestimated, due to suitable habitat existing within this species’ range polygon. Until further research is carried out in order to verify the accuracy of these values, and particularly this species’ AOO value, this species is listed as NT. Should these values prove to be accurate, this species will likely qualify as Endangered under criterion B2ab(iii), due to possessing a low number of locations and because its habitat is thought to be experiencing rapid loss and fragmentation due to mining and farming.

Craterellus boyacensis Sing. spec. nov. in SINGER R. & J. H. MORELLO (1960). Ectotrophic forest tree mycorrhizae and forest communities. Ecology 41 (3): 549—551.

This is a rare species that has so far been collected only in three New World countries and that forms
associations with oak trees. Oaks are currently classified as a VU species according to the colombian national red list. 60% of this specie’s habitat is being lost at an important rate (Rangel, 2005), making it a good candidate for a global Red List Assessement.

Because of loss of its habitat and the personal observed declining population of this species in Colombia, it may be VU A2c but because its geographical range is quite wide we considered is as NT

Species described in Colombia initially by Singer. Distribution extends to Costa Rica and Guatemala. In Guatemala only one specimen has been found in Cerro Miramundo, Jalapa, at 2800 m, in mixed forest with conifers and broad leaves trees (Flores et al 2008). In Colombia and Costa Rica reports from different Quercus forest exist (information provided by gbif, citation needed). This species is thought to possess a recorded EOO of 301,364 km2 and an AOO of 28 km2, however this is likely a great understatement, due to suitable habitat existing within the area marked by this species’ range polygon.

Since Craterellus boyacensis forms ectomycorrhizal associations with oak trees, its population is most likely declining due that oaks, with VU status according to the national red list,  is being lost at an important rate. Q. humboldtii is endemic to Andean highlands, and grows from 1000 to 3200 m elevation. Montane forests in Colombia are also very threatened due to deforestation and mining, so it would be reasonable to
believe that C. boyacensis populations are declining in this country as well. We have observed, through samplings during 28 years, that the populations of Craterellus boyacensis have been declining in Colombian forests.

On the ground in oak woods (Quercus humboldtii) in groups, fluffing during a period of little precipitation (Singer, 1963). Craterellus boyacensis forms ectomycorrhizal associations with oak trees in Colombia and Costa Rica. Other specimens have been found in Guatemala in mixed forests, at around 2800 m elevation.

Rapid loss and fragmentation of habitat due to mining and farming activities.

No conservation actions are currently in place for this species in Colombia. Protection of its habitat is needed.

Sampling is neccesary to know the biology and ecology of Craterellus boyacensis.

Vasco-Palacios, Aída & Franco-Molano, Ana E. 2012. Diversity of Colombian Macrofungi (Ascomycota - Basidiomycota). Mycotaxon, 2012.
Flores R. Ché G, García J. Maldonado M., Bran M., Morales O., Cáceres R. 2008. Cantharellus y Craterellus en Guatemala: Diversidad y Análisis Microscópico de Siete Especies Representativas en el País. Revista Científica. Vol 4 No. 1: 36-41.
Franco-Molano, Ana Esperanza & Uribe-Calle, Emilce. 2000. Hongos Agaricales y Boletales de Colombia. Biota Colombiana 1:25-43.
Hongos de Costa Rica. http://www.inbio.ac.cr/papers/hongos/acopac.htm
González, C.E, Jarvis A and J.D. Palacio. 2006. Biogeography of the Colombian oak, Quercus humboldtii Bonpl: geographical distribution and their climatic adaptation.
Rangel, J.O. (2005). La biodiversidad de Colombia. Palimpsestos, 5, 292-304.
Red List (Quercus humboldtii). https://senaintro.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/users/1130585219/LibroRojoMaderables.pdf